Tennessee Riverpark Addition

Aug. 3, 2016

One of the Longest Walking Trails in the World Just Got Longer

By Hannah Peyton

The Hamilton County Park system expands The Tennessee Riverpark, a local gem offering a variety of activities and educational experiences unique to the Chattanooga area. The existing Riverpark offers about 10 miles of Riverwalk spreading from the Chickamauga Dam to Ross’s Landing, adjoining the Tennessee River. The Riverwalk provides an 12-feet wide concrete trail with breathtaking views of the river, leading to different parks. The Riverpark’s amenities include picnic pavilions, green spaces, playgrounds, benches and fountains. Find additional info on the Riverpark here.

The Tennessee Riverpark Extension Grand Opening takes place Aug. 12, kicking off a two day celebration. The new section of the Tennessee Riverpark begins at Blue Goose Hollow Trail Head on the Riverfront at the end of Martin Luther King Blvd., adjacent to the Cameron Harbor Development. The Riverpark now ends at the beginning of the St. Elmo/Lookout Mountain area. The Blue Goose Landing addition to the Riverwalk extends about 3.5 miles to the base of Lookout Mountain, where it connects with existing mountain trails.

Rich in industrial and cultural history, the new section passes underneath the largest crane on the Tennessee River. The Riverwalk expansion is a testament to our river’s role in the development of Chattanooga.

Riverpark Legacy

Originally established Aug. 6, 1987, the Tennessee Riverpark encompasses a 20-mile passageway capturing the history of the Tennessee River Valley and our community. In the long term, the Riverpark will both contribute to new economic development and celebrate the history of natural resources in our area through high quality parks, trail systems and public art.

Hamilton County Government, the City of Chattanooga, the state of Tennessee, the federal government, the Moccasin Bend Task Forces, the River City Company and local charitable foundations played vital roles in making the expanded Riverpark a reality.

Download the APP

The Tennessee Riverpark Mobile App is available for download in app stores for both IPhone and Android phone users. Designed to be flexible and easy to navigate, users learn about the Hamilton County Park System’s greatest treasure. This app provides an educational opportunity to absorb history while strolling the Tennessee RIverpark. Points of interest, trail head locations, public amenities and other important information are also available through this app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When can the public begin using the new section of the Riverwalk?
A. Aug. 12. The new section begins near the Cameron Harbor community and continues to St. Elmo, covering a 3-mile stretch.

Q. Where is there to park near the trail heads to this section of the Riverwalk?
A. There is limited parking at the Blue Goose Hollow trail head and nearby lots on the riverfront at the end of Martin Luther King Blvd. Parking is also available for the S. Broad St. trail head near Middle Street.

Q. When did the project begin?
A. The Moccasin Bend Task Force began planning in 1982 and completed the Master Plan for the Tennessee Riverpark in March 1985. Land acquisition began in the late 80s.

Q. What’s the purpose of the Riverwalk?
A. The Riverwalk’s purpose is to be a catalyst for economic development, bring the community together, and encourage healthy outdoor activities.

Q. What other cities have done similar projects?
A. While many cities claim similar projects, Chattanooga’s Riverwalk remains unique in its scope and intent.

Q. What are the next steps for the project?
A. A small section will soon be added in St. Elmo.

Q. Are there or will there be event spaces along the Riverwalk?
A. There are green spaces along the Riverwalk for events. For more information about renting or using this new section, contact the city at 311.

Q. When is the expected finish date for the entire project?
A. The Riverwalk should be viewed as an ongoing project, expanding in scope as Chattanooga and Hamilton County develop.

Q. What was the cost for this section of the Riverwalk?
A. $16 million.